Tuchel to remind England players of anti-racism protocols before game in Spain

Tuchel will brief England players on anti-racism protocols ahead of their first Madrid visit since 2004, when black players faced abuse from Spanish fans.

England return to Madrid for a Nations League match at the Metropolitano for the first time since 2004, when Spain won 1-0 at the Bernabéu but the fixture was marred by racist abuse directed at England's black players including Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jermaine Jenas and Jermain Defoe. The Spanish federation was fined £44,750 following that incident.

England have played three matches in Spain since then—in Seville (2009, 2018) and Alicante (2015)—with no problems reported. However, Spain were fined £15,000 last month and ordered to play a friendly with partial stadium closure after supporters sang a discriminatory chant about Muslims during a match against Egypt in March.

Tuchel said he will take five minutes to remind players of the anti-racism protocol in place, similar to discussions before England's Serbia game in Belgrade last September. He expressed confidence there would be no issues at the Metropolitano, stating: "It's unacceptable.

We will never accept racism. We will never be racist towards anyone. That's just not who we are." He added that the best response would come on the pitch.